As Cumbria Scouts celebrates and thanks all those who make the movement possible during this year’s Volunteers’ Week, County Commissioner Eddie Ward has been recognised for his commitment through the awarding of the organisation’s prestigious Silver Acorn.
Scouting has been possible only through the hard work and dedication of its volunteers throughout the movement’s 100 year-plus history, but over recent months Cumbria’s scout leaders have gone above and beyond to keep some semblance of normality for over 3000 young people across the county. All too often this commitment lies under the surface but Volunteers’ Week (1- 7 June 2020) is an opportunity to recognise the almost 700 adult volunteers who devote their time and effort to providing new experiences, adventure and skills for life to Cumbria’s Scouts.
Just as scouts’ achievements are rightly recognised through badges and awards, so too are the movement’s volunteers celebrated, and Cumbria Scouts’ County Commissioner, Eddie Ward, is one of the newest recipients of the Silver Acorn Award. Only presented to volunteers with at least 20 year’s outstanding service, the award is recognition not only for Eddie’s dedication to scouting within Cumbria, but also his previous achievements as an Explorer leader in Carlisle leading the city’s Ayers Explorer unit of 14-18 year olds.
“It was a great surprise and honour to receive a letter from the UK Chief Commissioner confirming the award of the Silver Acorn” says Eddie “I’m very lucky to have such a great team at Cumbria Scouts and such brilliant leaders across the County, especially at the current time, when they are working hard to support Scouting At Home, providing thousands of young people around the County with amazing opportunities and skills for life despite the difficulties of the Coronavirus epidemic.
“Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all their hard work, without which scouting in Cumbria simply couldn’t happen. I’d also like to thank my family for allowing me to spend so much time volunteering in a role that I enjoy.”
Laura Cooper, District Commissioner for Reivers District in the north of the county, added “It’s wonderful to see Eddie be recognised for his work within Scouting in Cumbria and Reivers District. From forming Ayers Explorer Unit in Carlisle in 1992, which has grown to be an exciting, exhilarating group of young people; to being Deputy District Commissioner, and then County Commissioner he has shown his enthusiasm for Scouting and its values. He brings a positive and energizing leadership to the whole County for both Leaders and young people. He is always proud of the achievements and milestones our young people reach and inspires to aim higher.”
Scouting in Cumbria is only possible thanks to the fantastic support of volunteers across the county, and local groups are always looking for new volunteers. No matter your skills or commitments, there’s a role for everyone and in exchange you can learn new skills, become part of a worldwide family and help inspire a generation to go out into the world and achieve their full potential. To learn more about volunteering visit www.cumbriascouts.org.uk or search Cumbria Scouts on Facebook.
